Marijuana and medicinal use

I am not an advocate for the usage of smoking marijuana. I have never been and don’t think I will ever be. I think smoking of anything is just not a wise decision and there are too much research that shows the effect of smoking on one’s lungs and other areas of the body. Having said that, I had an interesting conversation with someone on my facebook about said topic. I must say he does not advocate smoking marijuana. However he had some interesting and thought provoking ideas.

It all started with this post: “You can determine whether you are an intelligent person by how open you are to new ideas”. Prov 18:15. These are the words of the wisest man that ever lived – Solomon.

I’m sure he was not just speaking about all new ideas. I do believe it was within certain contexts such as within the laws of man and the laws of God. He would not be purporting the idea of going against such.

His question to the post was, “how open would u [sic] be to smoking marijuana for medicinal purposes? And how open would the church as we know it be to recieving [sic] those who do? Hmmm.. Think about it….. Its crazy but our founding fathers partook of the hemp plant regularly… Its the next epidemic because sooner than we think, it will be legal..”

Here is my answer:

“We are moving in the direction when most of the things we abhorred will become acceptable and the norm. However, even if and when they do, we must always be guided by scripture.

1. Our bodies are not ours to do as we please

2. It is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19,20).

Marijuana may have some medicinal purpose, but I’m not sure it does through smoking. I do think everything God made has value. He did say it was good. It is just how we use the “good” things God makes.

Scientific discoveries are often made and used before they are understood” — Francis Shapiro, Ph D. It took 40 years to understand why penicillin works. Not knowing why it worked, did not stop its well documented usage and success”

My friend continued with the following: “… there are many health benefits from smoking it but the most effective way is via vaporizor and or bong…it is also been known to cure cancer and help H.I.V. patients recover and get better but those two cures are through hemp oil extract. Directly from the plant. It is not inhaled..”

He also responded to the health benefits by saying, “.. If some one is taking oxicotten for their arthritis or pain then why not be able to choose a natural way to deal with it and assist their medical issues. Its way less harmful to the body than the pills that destroy our stomach and liver. Our body is a temple right? Hmmm just provoking thought.”

My response to that was, “Yes those meds can be very harmful to the body; all have side-effects. ”

I think this was a very lively discussion, and wondering if you want to weigh in this conversation. Should marijuana be an acceptable medicinal option?

Merry Christmas … 122508

I would like to take this time to wish all my readers a Very Merry Christmas. As a Christian I celebrate this time of year as a very special time since it is the designated day that is set aside to celebrate the birth of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  I know there are discrepancies as to the exact date of his birth, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that he was born into this world as a human being.  So many people today celebrate their birthdays on the “wrong” day.

My mom tells me that I was born on February 28th.  She should know because she is the one who gave me birth.  However, on my birth certificate, it says February 27th.  It was recorded wrong.  This I found out years later.  I now celebrate on the 27th.  My point: I was born into this world on a certain date and time.  My closest families and friends celebrate my birthday on February 27th now.

With that said, I want you to remember that JESUS is the REASON for the Season.  Without his birth you would not be receiving and giving gifts at this time of year.  If you are a retailer, you would not be targeting consumers with all the enticements because you know that people seem to be more generous at this time of year.  Why?  The SPIRIT of the season – Giving.  (See John 3:16)

I do hope you will open your heart to receive the greatest GIFT of all this Christmas – JESUS!   He makes the difference. What better time to do that than now when the world is being turned upside down.  He is your peace during this time.  What better gift to have than the PEACE of God!

I am alive today because of HIM.  He brought me through quadruple bypass surgery on Dec. 8th, 2008.  I am alive and healing well because of him.  That was my gift for Christmas, but it first began with HIM – the GIFT!

Heart surgery update … 121308

Just to let you all know that I appreciated all the prayers that went up on my behalf. I was released from the hospital yesterday after having quadruple bypass surgery on Monday. Went in thinking it would be triple but turned out to be quadruple. I’ll explain this later, because I’m not up to the writing right now but suffice to say God showed himself strong on my behalf every step of the way. INCREDIBLE!!! The doctors and nurses marvel at my progress. I had one simple word for the them – GOD! There was also another word that I used frequently – PRAYER!

I do not know how people who do not have faith in God make it through these times. I really don’t.

Home recovering beautifully. Thank God and thank you for your prayers!

Blessings

Heart surgery … 120708

I will be away and have been away from blogging for a few days or more. I recently had an angiogram that showed a blockage in a major artery (left aorta), which requires by pass surgery. I’m asking for your prayers both for myself and my family. God is in control. He is so amazing. I see this as a gift from God.  I will been having surgery on Monday Dec 8th , 2008.

My story could have read otherwise. Not too many people have been given the chance I have. As the cardiologist said, “it was good for you to come in when you did. This could have been fatal!” God is good. I’ve been shown his mercy and grace throughout this process. All praise to God! I have the peace of God in all of this.

Keep me in your prayers.